I AM delighted that the venture to start up a Developoment Trust in Cowdenbeath is gaining momentum.

The town is at a key stage in its redevelopment from losing its tag as a former mining community.

After all Cowdenbeath has several very busy industrial estates which provide jobs for hundreds of people from the town and beyond so it really has moved a long way from the dark days when the pits started to close.

But a look at the High Street does show one or two signs of a revamp being needed. Yes the Crown Hotel continues to dominate the north end but we also have the problem with the failed Tesco development.

Six shop units at the east side of the street had to be abandoned for this project which has simply never come to fruition.

But these will deteriorate with not being used and meanwhile North End Park lies unused. Much to be done there.

Also, while the south end is much more bouyant, there are still empty shop units there which do not give a good feeling to the place.

Now I believe that Trust status can open the door to all sorts of improvements taking place in the town.

But the problem is that people have to be part of the process.

You just cannot rely on the council to run it. So the question has to be asked, are there enough people in the town prepared to come forward to make the Trust happen.

In the past there has been a reluctance from people to commit themvles to projects. This project cannot afford this sort of approach.

If people get involved we may well see Cowdenbeath on its way to getting a fresh look. The ball is in the court of the people of Cowdenbeath.

TRUSTEE,